ÌṢẸ́PẸ́ with Yusuf Àlàbí Balógun | Ep. 21
The African Authors PodcastPlay episode
Show notes
Title: ÌṢẸ́PẸ́ with Yusuf Àlàbí Balógun
Episode Number: #21
Guest: Yusuf Àlàbí Balógun
Release Date: 5th September 2025.
Description:
This week on the show, we are graced by the iconic indigenous Nigerian storyteller, author, and orator Yusuf Àlàbí Balógun, popularly known as Àrẹ̀mọ Gemini. We start off (5:05) the episode by getting into the mind of Yusuf as he recounts events in his life that led him to become one of Africa's biggest indigenous storytellers. Then he goes on to talk to us about which stages (8:50) challenged him the most having been on global stages telling indigenous stories in Yoruba. In the main portion (16:18) of this episode, Yusuf gets deep with us about his inspiration for writing his new book ÌṢẸ́PẸ́. This multi-layered story that highlights painful, yet controversial social themes drawn from his personal life (22:05) after the demise of his father and sister, and having to navigate grief, cultural derogation, misogyny, and penury with his mother traversing through state lines in search of safety. He discusses his writing style (31:01) of telling stories with complicated characters who often have two or more contrasting parallels and perspectives. Then he talks about the stories he hasn't told yet (42:38) and how inspired he is by his environment and the social injustices he witnesses on an indigenous level, and how he would love to shine a light on those stories. These and more in this jewel-dropping episode that would leave your mouth agape, gasping for more. It's an episode you don't want to be told. Enjoy the show!
Key Takeaways:
1. Religion is the opium of poverty, and just because you are religious doesn't make you a good person.
2. African traditions are very misogynistic, and we need more men to speak up.
3. Telling stories in our indigenous African dialects is essential for posterity.
Listen Now On:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pocket Cast, Goodpod, Google Podcasts, Afripod, Jamit, and all DSPs
Connect with Us:
Website: NkemCreatives
Twitter/X: @nkemcreatives
LinkedIn: Nkem Creatives
Instagram: @nkemcreatives
Resources & Mentions:
Pre-order the Author's Book on his Website: ÌṢẸ́PẸ́
Guest’s Social Media (Instagram): @aremogemini
Episode Credits:
Episode Host: Anita Chinwendu Opara
Audio Producer & Writer: Daniel Odia
Podcast Manager: Daniel Odia
Show Owner: Nkem Creatives
Nkem Creatives brings you insightful conversations that celebrate African storytelling and literature. Join us on this journey as we amplify the voices shaping the narrative.
